Roller skate



Patented keb. 15, 1944 UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE norman snare Charles Z. Shye, New York, N. Y. Application August 1, 1941, serial No. 4043er 12 claims. (c1. ssc-11.21)

'Ihis invention relates to new and useful improvements in roller skates.

The invention proposes a roller skate construction which overcomes numerous defects inherent in present day constructions and which does not embody any new or additional defects not inherent in prior constructions.

An important object of this invention is to build a new roller skate which has a chassis upon which the front and rear trucks are mounted.

In prior constructions the foot plates were used to join the front and rear trucks together as a unit, but with this new construction the skate can stand on its wheels without the presence of the foot plates. in the new construction the foot plates are mounted on the chassis, and the chassis is even used to assist in supporting the shoe clamps of the skate. Thus the entire skate is built on the chassis.

It is proposed to so construct the chassis and trucks of the skate to make skating actions possible without side slipping or back and forward motion or wobbling` f the trucks of the skate. It is claimed that the new chassis and the hangers of the trucks are important contributions to the roller skate. The chassis removes countless parts now generally used in the bestI as well as the cheapest skate. It totally eliminates riveting of these numerous parts. The new structure not only eliminates many operations and parts, but the one piece chassis gives strength, durability, simplicity and beauty of line, and cuts down noise of all connectingparts, making the skate practi looseness from their riveted connections due tovibration, Wear, breakage,cr aws in any of the connections of the parts.

This invention further contemplates supporting each skate hanger, or truck in a certain way. It is proposed to support the hanger, or truck at three different distinct pointsfin a. manner to give perfect alignment and to make skating action easy, comfortable, and sure. lIt is proposed to so support the new hangers and trucks to eliminate the necessary tightening or loosening of the presentday kingpins to adjust, the actions of the hangers and trucks. The new construction removes excessive play, thus cutting down excessive wear and tear on the cushions, kingpins, and hanging points, or the breaking and bending of supported points or parts. The new construction proposes a certain relationship between eachl cushion and kingpin, making the new skate partlcularly noiseless. Each hanger and truck will be supported in a perfectly balanced way on the chassis, which is also perfectly balanced, making a perfectly balanced skate and eliminating breakage which generally occurs in a skate due to unbalanced parts. The new construction removes all hazards of too much rigidity, and removes the tendency of wobbling from left to right, or towards one or another point beyond the control of the skater. Thenew soft rocking action makes it easy on the skaters ankles, leg muscles, and makes skating much more effortless for both the experienced skater and .the beginner. t makes the'trucks of the skate more secure and answerable instantaneously both to the direction of the foot and the shifting or balancing of the body.

Furthermore, the invention proposes a new style and unique design of the cushion which will add to the ease of direction and the rocking move :ment of each skate truck, thusremoving drag between shifting parts and wear and tear on all` the connecting parts and enabling the skater to perform the most diflicult ligure work-'circles, dance steps, etc., simply, and with more perfect poise and without strain upon skater or skate. It is proposed that each cushion be of oval shape in transverse cross section and that contacting parts be similarly shaped. The unique oval-like shape gives extra spread to the front and back contact points of the cushion on its seat on thel hanger. Because of these improvements the skate in its action will be instantaneous at the command of the skaters foot and shifting of the body, thus removing drag and stress upon component parts of the skate, enabling the skater to perform the most diiiicult types of skating Without strain and without excessive eort, loss of motion or balance.

Furthermore it is proposed that the seats of the hangers be formed with elongated openings which give added room to the kingpin-s, and adds considerable ease and support to the central rocking motions of the hangers which is so vital in the performance of gure skating and dancing, and perfect control and maneuverability of skating.

A new construction is also proposed respecting the kingpin. Heretofore, the kingpin had a head at the bottom and screw threads at the top which threadedly engaged into a bracket connected with the foot plate. In this 01d construction it is necessary to screw out, or screw in, the kingpin for controlling the cushioning effect, Such adjustments require guess work as to how many threads of the kingpin are engaging the threads of the bracket. With the'ild f mounted in a certain way upon the chassis of the skate, and has lthreads at the bottom for nuts or supporting members to hold the hanger and truck in position. eliminates any guesswork as to the number of threads which are engaged. It eliminates the` possibility of the threads in the bracket ripping out. It eliminates vibrations and other strains damaging or loosening the kingpinl or associated parts, which in the past have caused the larger and more serious accidents in skating.

With the new construction a change of cushion may be made, or any of the component or associated parts removed, by simply removing the lower nut or supporting member, or the complete hangerand truck may then be removed. With the new constructionthe kingpin may easily be disconnected from the chassis. The parts'may be easily reassembled and properly adjusted with a minimum of labor. All adjustments may be made easily with one hand, contrasted with prior constructions in which one hand usually was needed to operate an implement to hold a nut while the other hand was needed to turn the kingpin with another implement.

The invention also contemplates the use of a small auxiliary cushion between the kingpin and vbottom nut, in addition to the usual cushion on the kingpin above the seat of the hanger. It is proposed that in addition to said auxiliary cushion and nut, that a screw and washer be .mounted on the bottom of the kingpin to hold and support the nut if it becomes loose due to vibrations. 'I'he auxiliary cushion acts as a buffer between the nut and a washer placed beneath the bottom seat of the hanger. It aids considerably in removing drag between washer and nut and adjacent parts in permitting the washer to ride over the shoulders on the bottom seat of the hanger. lIt assists in drawing the entire hanger and truck back to normal position in its rocking motion from side to side, and eliminates the clash between the looking and moving parts. It is proposed that the auxiliary cushion be of fiber and rubber material or other material, which will also act as a lock device, and its resiliency will aid the cushion to do its work much easier, surer, and simpler, saving wear and tear on lboth, giving longer life to the main cushion and component parts, and thus reducing the acoustics, sounds of the clash of metal parts and other parts and noises, particularly created between the skate and floor when skating. It aids greatly in making the skate noiseless.

The invention also proposes al novel construction for preventing'the nut or supporting members on the bottom of the kingpin from being lost, which construction is of a nature to have general application on other articles and in other fields.

It is also pointed out that the method of l' mounting the kingpin on the chassis of the skate ==may have general application to other articles ylwandpther arts. The invention therefore con- "f'templates including such broad aspects of this construction.

" Another object of theI invention is the confstruction of an article as described which is lsimple and durable, and which may be manufactured and sold at a reasonable cost.

For further comprehension of the invention, and of the objects and advantages thereof, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying drawings, and to the' appended claims in which the various novel features of the invention are more particularly set I forth.

The new construction In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this disclosure:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a roller skate constructed in accordance with this in-A vention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the skate shown in Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the line 2-2 to the front of which there is a downwardly thereof, this view being taken directly beneath the foot plates.

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 3--3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan view looking in the direction of the line 4--4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional View taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 'l is an enlarged sectional v iew taken on the linefI--l of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 1. v

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on the line Ill- I0 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of one of the hangers used in the skate.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view of l 4portion of the chassis of the skate which supports one Ithe kingpins of the skate.

The skate, in accordance with this invention, includes a one piece, comparatively ilat and balanced chassis I2. This chassis has a front top strip portion I3, a rear top strip portion I4, and an arched central -portion I5. A sole plate I6 is mounted on the front top strip portion I3. heel plate II is mounted on the rear top strip portion I4. The arched central portion I5 has front and rear sharp edge portions I8 and I8', respectively which are inclined forwards and rearwards, respectively. The front top, strip portion I3 has a front lug -portion 20 behind which there is a downwardly directed sharp edge portion 2|. The rear top strip portion I4 has a rear lug 22 directed sharp edge portion 23. A front hanger 24 is mounted on the front portion of the chassis I2 and has a front arm 25 provided with a bifurcated portion 26 engaging beneath and against the sharp edge portion 2|. The hanger 24 also has a rear arm 2'I provided with a bifurcated rear end 28 engaging beneath and against the sharp edge portion I8. The skate is also provided with a rear hanger 24 which has an arm 25 with a, bifurcated end 26 engaging beneath and against thek sharp edge portion 23. The hanger 24 also has another arm 21 with a. bifurcated end 28 engaging beneath and against the sharp edge portionV I8'.

The hangers of the skate are held in position 4 with kingpins 34 and nuts 49. Each kingpin 34 is connected with the chassis I2 in a certain way. More speciiically, the chassis is formed with a slot 35 for each kingpin, extended inwards from one edge, and having a comparatively narrow outer l end 35a and an enlarged inner portion 35h. The

'slot 35.'

Each hangerV of the skate has a central seat portion 39 which is of oval shape in plan view, with its major axis extending longitudinally of the skate. A cushion 4I!v of rubber is mounted on each kingpin and is of a similarV oval shape, and rests upon a top concaved shoulder l391i.- of the seat 39. The s eat 39 has an oblong shapedtransverse opening 4I (seefFlgL' 1l) which will'pvermit thev truck of the' skatesto' pivot laterally." The' central point includes the washer yengaging the hanger to pivot l'ate'erallyon thekingpin. The

recessed top shoulder 39d -will give-the cushion 4I) more support at the-frontportion and at the rearportion oi its'niajor'axis'than at the sides," reducingresistance "to vvlateral pivoting of the hanger;l Consequently.- when the truck'. ofthe skate pivots laterally'there' willnot be somuch resistance as in prior-constructions. Each hanger? i is alsol providedwith a transverse tubular por- -tion 42 through which thefaxle 43 of the truck'4 passes. The skate has afronttruck and a rear truck, and eachV truck comprises a hanger-(24 or 24'), an axle 43,'and a`pair of wheels,4

the details of which will not be given .in this specication. However, these ywheels may be of the ball bearing type, or other suitable types generally used.' l.

An oval shaped cover plate 45 with edge flanges 45a (see Fig.l 3) is mounted on each kingpin land engages the top of eachcushion40. A top nut 46 is threadedly mounted on eachv kingpinabove the'4 cover plate 45 -for forming a top abutment for the cushion 40. An auxiliary cushion 41 is mounted upon the bottom of each kingpin. There is a washer 48 on each kingpin above the auxiliary the other direction to close it, and engage the sole of ones shoe.

The chassis I2 is formed with another slot 52 for receiving the heel clamp of the skate. The

heel plate I1 of the skate is provided with stamped out lugportions 52 andl 53 by which it is attached to the chassis I2. The heel plate I1 is also provided with stamped out portions 51 forming the tracks for the heel clamp jaws 58. In other respects this heel rclamp is'similar to the sole clamp. y

The action ofthe skate may best be understood'by an examination of the drawings and noting that each hanger issupported at three points; Ihe iront and rear points include the sharp-edge portions ofthe chassis which permit against the bottom' ofv theseat portion 39 of the hanger" of the-truck!` `'I he bottom ofl eachseat portio'n39 isroux'ided'y along the sides, as shown in Fig`.'3,r which permits the truck to pivot laterportant feature `of the three peint support reside'sf mathe, fat-thgtfeach truck willfbe restrained* from'v rattling"*.fo'riivard'sor rearwards because'f of the' formation ofthe sharp" edge-portionsgas `clearly shown in 1.

cushion, which engages the bottom shoulder of the seat 39. A bottom nut 49 is threadedly mounted on the kingpin for controlling the compression of said cushions. The auxiliary cushion 41 preferably is a combination of cloth and rubber. A lock device is mounted on the bottom of each kingpin 34 for preventing accidental loss of the bottom nut 49 when loosened by vibration. This lock device includes a bottom washer 53,- and a small screw 5I which is threadedly mounted in the bottom of the kingpin.

The sole plate I6 is held in position by several lug portions 52 and' 53 which are stamped or formed from the metal or material thereof, and which is connected with the chassis by welding, or with fastening elements or other means. The lug .20 of the chassis I2 is provided with a slot 53 through which the reduced central portion 54 of the usual right and left hand clamp `screw 55 passes. This clamp screw 55 is provided with square end portions 56 by which it may be turned with the usual skate key. Thesole plate I6 has several strip portions 51 struck or formed from the material thereof andforming tracks slidably supporting the clamp jaws 58. Each strip portion 51 has a projecting end 59 adapted to strike a lug portion 68 of each clamp jaw 58, to limit the clamp to its fully extended position. Each clamp jaw 58 has its lug portion B0 threadedly engaging a section of the clamp screw 55. The arrangement is such that the screw 55 may be turned in, one direction to open the clamp, or in It will readily b seen that each truck cannotV fmove vforwards nor rearwards. lC-Iciwever, itis" free to pivot laterally. The central support,`

which includes the-kingpin 34 and nut 49, permitsr the truckto pivot laterally, while at the same time the cushions 40 and 41 produces a re' silient support for the truck -so as to normally tend to hold it in a true balanced central line. When thetruck does pivot laterally during skating relative to the chassis, the resiliency -of the cushion and the auxiliary cushion will tend to Each truck may be quickly removed by first l removing the holding screw 5l `and nut 49 and then slipping the Washers and cushions ofi? the kingpin. The parts may be easily replaced. Each kingpin may be removed by rst opening the lock washer 38 and then slipping the head of the kingpin from the slot 35. It should be noted that the particular connection of the kingpins with the chassis is capable of general application. Similarly, the particular locking device at the bottom end of the kingpin, which includes"y the screw 5I, is capable of general application.'

It is believed that the complete action of the skate will be clear from the description at the beginning of this specification, and the description of the construction of the skate.

While I vhave illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise constructions herein disclosed and the right is reserved to all changes and modiilcations coming within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as newl and desire to secure by United States Letters Patent is:

1. In a roller skate, a chassis having a top strip portion provided with a front lug and a downwardly directed sharp edge to the rear o:

said front lug and also having a central portion.

provided with a front sharp edge located downwardly and rearwardly of said iirst named sharp edge, said second named sharp edge being disposed at an inclination to face'forwardly andv a kingpin connected with said top strip portion and extending downwardly and provided with connecting and holding means for said hanger including a. cushion cooperative with its central seat.

2. In a roller skate, a chassis having a top strip portion provided withfa front lug vand a downwardly directed sharp Vedge to the vrear of said fronting and'also having a central portion provided with a `front sharp edge located downwardly and rearwardly of said nrst named sharp edge, said second named sharp edge being disposed at aninclination to face forwardly and downwardly, a hanger for' la skatetruck having a substantially horizontal central seat with a. top ,shoulder and located'beneath said top strip portion and an upwardly and forwardly extending front arm engaging said "first named sharp edge and a substantially `horizontal rear arm engaging said bottom sharp edge, a kingpin connected with said top strip portion and extending downwardly and provided with connecting and holding means posed at an inclination to face forwardly and4 downwardly, a hanger for a skate truck having a substantially horizontal central seat with a top shoulder and located beneath said top strip portion and an upwardly and forwardly extending front arm engaging said rst named sharp edge and a substantially horizontal rear arm engaging said bottom sharp edge, a kingpin connected with said top strip portion and extending downwardly and provided with connecting holding means for said hanger and cooperative with its central seat,

ing against the top shoulderipffsaid central seat, said central seat having a curved top surface for said cushion for nrmlyeng-'aging it at the' front and rear portion.

4. In a roller skate, a chassis having a top l* strip portion provided with a front lug and a downwardly directed sharp edge to the rear of,

said front lug and also having a central portion provided with a front sharp edge located downwardly and rearwardly of said first named sharp edge, said second named sharp edge being disposed at an inclination to face forwardly and downwardly, a hanger for a skate truck having a substantially horizontal central seat with a top shoulder and located beneath said top strip portion and an upwardly 'and forwardly extending front arm engaging said iirst named sharp edge and a substantially horizontal rear arm engaging i said bottom sharp edge, a kingpin connected with said top vstrip portion and extending downwardly and provided with connecting holding means for said hanger and cooperative with its central seat, and a cushion mounted on said kingpin and resting against the top shoulder of said central seat. said central seat having a curved top surface for said cushion for firmly engaging it at the front and rear portion, said central seat and cushion being of oval shape with its maior axis extending longitudinally of the skate.

5. In a roller skate, a chassis having a top strip portion provided with a front lug and a downwardly directed sharp edge to therear of said front lug and also'having a central portion provided with a front sharp edge located downwardly and rearwardly. of said first named sharp edge, said second named sharp edge being disposed at an inclination to face forwardly and downwardly, a hanger for a skate truck having a substantially horizontal central seat with a top shoulder and located beneath said top strip portion and an upwardly and forwardly extending front arm engaging said rst named sharp edge and a substantially horizontaly rear arm engaging said bottom sharp edge,-a'kingpin connected 'with said top strip portion and extending d ownvwardlyand provided with connecting holding 'means for said hanger ,and-cooperative with its `central seat, and a-ycushion mounted on said kingpin and resting against the top shoulder of said central seat, said, central seat having a curved top surface for said cushion Ifor rmly engaging it atthe front and rear portion, said central s'eat and cushion being of oval shape with its major axis extendinglongitudinaliy of the skate, and said central seat having an elongated slot transversely thereof through which the kingpin passes. ,4

6. In a roller skate, a chassis having a top strip portion provided with a front lug and a downwardly directed sharp edge to the rear of said front lug and also having a central portion provided with a front sharp edge located downwardly and rearwardly of said iirst named sharp edge, -said second named sharp edge being disposed at an inclination to face forwardly and downwardly, a hanger for a skate truck having a substantially horizontal central seat with a top shoulder and located beneath said top strip portion and an upwardly and forwardly extending front arm engaging said iirst named sharp edge and a substantially horizontal rear arm engaging said bottom sharp edge, a kingpin connected with said top strip portion and extending downwardly and provided with connecting holding means for and a cushion mounted on said kingpin and rest- -i said hanger and cooperative with its central seat,

ing against the top shoulder of said central seat,

said central seat having a curved top surface for said cushion for firmly engaging it at the front and rear portion, said central seat and cushion being of oval shape with its major axis extending longitudinallyof the skate, said central seat having an elongated slot transversely thereof through which the kingpin passes, and an auxiliary cushion, washer and nut mounted on said kingpin beneath said hanger.

7. In a roller skate, a chassis having a top strip portion provided with a front lug and a downwardly directed sharp edge to the rear of said front lug and also having a central portion provided with a front sharp edge located downward, ly and rearwardly of said first named sharp edge. said second named sharp edge being disposed at an inclination to face forwardly and downwardly.'

a hanger for askate truck having a substantially horizontal central seat with a top shoulder and located beneath said top strip portion and an upwardly and forwardly extending front arm engaging said rst named sharp edge and a substantially horizontal rear arm engaging said bottom sharp edge, a kingpin connected with said top strip portion and extending downwardly and provided with connecting holding means for said hanger and cooperative with its central seat, and a. cushion mounted on said kingpin and resting against the top shoulder of said central seat, said central seat having a curved top surface for said cushion for firmly engaging it at the front and rear portion, said central seat and cushion being of oval shape with its major axis extending lungitudinally of the skate, said central seat having an elongated slot transversely thereof' through which the kingpin passes, and an auxiliary cushion, washer and nut mounted on said kingpin beneath said hanger, the bottom seat of said hanger being curved in transverse cross section.

8.A In a roller skate, a chassis having a top strip portion provided with a rear lug and a downwardly directed sharp edge to the front of said rear lug and also having a central portion provided with a rear sharp edge located downwardly and forwardly of said first named sharp edge, said second named sharp edge being disposed at an inclination to face rearwards and downwards, a hanger for a skate truck having a substantially horizontal central seat beneath said top strip portion and a, substantially horizontal front arm engaging said second named sharp edge and an upwardly and rearwardly extending rea'r arm engaging said first named sharp edge, a kingpin connected with said top strip portion and extending downwardly to said central seat, and cushion means mounted on said kingpin and engaging said central seat.

9. In a roller skate, a chassis having a top strip portion provided with a rear lug and a downwardly directed sharp edge to the front of said rear lug and also having a central portion provided with a rear sharp edge located downwardly and forwardly of saidvrst named sharp edge, said sec ond named sharp edge being disposed at an inclination to face rearwards and downwards, a hanger for a skate truck having a substantially horizontal central seat beneath said top strip portion and a substantially horizontal front arm engaging said second named sharp edge and an upwardly and rearwardly extending rear arm engaging said first named sharp edge, a kingpin connected with said top strip portion and extending downwardly to said central seat, and cushion means mounted on said kingpin and engaging said central seat, said central seat having a top shoulder, and said cushion means having a cushA ion resting against said top shoulder.

10. In a roller skate, a chassis having a top strip portion provided with a rear lug and a downond named sharp edge being disposed at an inclination to face rearwards' and downwards, a hanger for a skate truck having a substantially horizontal central seat beneath said top strip portion and a substantially horizontal front arm engaging said second named sharp edge and an upwardly and rearwardly extending rear arm enwardly directed sharp edge to the front of said rear lug and alsohaving a central portion provided with a rear sharp edge located downwardly and forwardly of said rst named sharp edge. said seogaging said rst named sharp edge, a kingpin connected with said top strip portion and extending downwardly to said central seat, -and cushion means mountedron said kingpin and engaging said central seat, said central seat having a curved top surface, and said cushion means having a cushion engaging said top surface firmly at the front and rear portions thereof.

l1. In a roller skate, `a chassis having a top strip portion provided with a rear lug and a downwardly directed sharp edge to the front of said rear lug and also having a central portion provided with a rear sharp edge located downwardly and forwardly of said first named sharp edge, said second named sharp edge being disposed at an inclination to face rearwards and downwards, aA

hanger for a skate truck having a substantially horizontal central seat beneath said top strip portion and a substantially horizontal front arm engaging said second named sharp edge and an upwardly and rearwardly extending rear arm engaging said first named sharp edge, a kingpin connected with said top strip portion and extending downwardly to said central seat, and cushion means mounted on said kingpin and engaging said central seat, said central seat having a curved top surface, and said cushionmeans having a cushion engaging said top surface iirmly at the front and rear portions thereof, said central seat and cushion being of oval shape with its major axis extending longitudinally of the skate.

12. In a roller skate, a chassis having a top strip portion provided with a rear lug and a downwardly directed sharp edge to the front of said rear lug and also having a central portion provided with a rear sharp edge located downwardly and forwardly of said rst named sharp edge, said second named sharp edge being disposed at an inclination to face rearwards and downwards,

a hanger for a skate truck having a substantially l horizontal central seat beneath said top strip portion and a substantially horizontal front arm engaging said second named sharp edge and an upwardly and rearwardly extending rear arm engaging said rst named sharp edge,.a kingpin connected with said top strip portion and extending downwardly to said central seat, and cushion means mounted on said kingpin and engaging said central seat, said central seat having a curved top surface, and said cushion means having a cushion engaging said top surface rmly at the front and vrear portions thereof, said central seat and cushion being of oval shape with its major axis extending longitudinally of the skate, said central seat having an elongated slot transverselythereof through which said kingpin passes, and.

an auxiliary cushion. washer and nut mounted on said kingpin beneath said hanger. l

CHARLES ZIG. SHYE. 

